Memphis, Tenn., July 30, 2003 - K. Elizabeth Farnell, R.N., retired vice president of nursing for Baptist Memorial Health Care, died Tuesday, July 29 at Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto after a brief illness.

Farnell, who is originally from Florida, served as vice president of nursing for Baptist from 1971 until 1991. In this role, she directed the system’s nursing program and school of nursing,, as well as witnessing the building of Baptist Memorial Hospital-East and Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto.

While serving as vice president of nursing for Baptist, Farnell also began building an antiques business, called Country Charms, that included a log cabin settlement in Eudora, Miss. Farnell’s love of antiques motivated her to develop the two-acre property, which originally housed an 1893 farmhouse and an early 1800s log cabin, into a museum and antiques shop, adding five additional log cabins dating back to the early 19th century. She worked with a carpenter to dismantle and relocate the log cabins from other locations, handchinking the logs herself. Her collections were featured in Country Living and American Country Collectibles.

Farnell began her nursing career teaching at a nursing school in New Orleans and later spent 12 years teaching at Northwestern State College in Baton Rouge, La. Prior to working in nursing, Farnell taught home economics.

“The last chapter of Beth’s life was just as interesting and eventful as the first 60 years,” said Anita Vaughn, administrator and CEO of Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women. “Her passion for teaching and helping others remained strong, as evidenced by her antiques career. I learned so much from her – how to be a leader and how to do it with warmth and compassion. I admired her strength and willingness to listen to others. Over the years, we became good friends. I will really miss her.”

“Beth Farnell distinguished herself, nursing and Baptist Memorial Hospital through her style of caring leadership for more than 20 years,” said Stephen C. Reynolds, president and CEO of Baptist Memorial Health Care. “Her kindness and consideration for others endeared her to patients, staff nurses, physicians and managers, as well as the community at large. I am proud to have been counted among her friends and associates. The entire Baptist family will miss her terribly.”

Farnell was 75 years old, and leaves one sister, Marie Strong. Her memorial service will be held on Friday, Aug. 1 at 10 a.m. in the lobby of Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women, 6225 Humphreys Blvd. The family requests that memorials be sent to the Elizabeth Farnell Endowment Fund for Nursing Excellence at the Baptist Memorial Health Care Foundation. For more information, please call (901) 227-7123.

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